Task force created to probe killing

Malacañang on Monday, July 2, assured that justice will be served for Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan City, Batangas, who was shot dead during the flag ceremony in front of City Hall, as the police formed a task force to investigate the killing.

The mayor, who was known for ordering suspected drug personalities to take a “walk of shame,” was shot by an unidentified sniper using an M14 firearm at 7:30 a.m., while he and other city officials and employees were singing the national anthem.

Police activated on Monday a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) for the investigation on the killing of the mayor.

Calabarzon Police Director Edward Carranza said the SITG will consider all the possible information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the gunman.

“We are looking at all angles--politics, personal and others,” he said.

Carranza said they were looking at the possibility that there may have been two gunmen.

“The bullet came from the right. The gunman was believed to be positioned northwest of the city hall,” he said.

Tanauan Police Chief Renato Mercado said the assailant was in an elevated position at least 150 meters away from Halili.

Mercado said he already assigned policemen who will augment the security escorts of Halili’s family.